Category: Bruce Posts (Page 210 of 211)

Words can’t describe how liberating it was to get behind the wheel of a car and drive. It had been just over a month of depending upon rides from friends, the metro, buses and of course our legs to get anywhere. The walking did us good and also forced us to become familiar with the public transit, but folks, there’s nothing like loading your groceries in your car! We had become leery of buying anything of weight like liquids because of the journey home (we had been using our strollers for buggies). I’m sure as a single person, or even small family with 1-2 children, you can make do without a car here, but a family of 8 simply can’t move fast enough or carry enough on foot to maintain to expect to get anything done except survive.

Anyway, I rented a car for the month. I found a decent deal on a small Daewood (Honda Civic but smaller i think) through a rental company that spoke English. They threw in insurance for the month and for about $25/day, we are in business while we continue to wait for our container/truck which is still (at last check) in the US.

Here’s a couple pictures of our first day of travel. Broderic, Brent and I drove the 90 minutes south to RZ to review the progress on our house. We spent Friday and Saturday there, the boys spent the day with the Gollans at a lake and I painted with the guys at the house. Upon arriving we stopped at the bus stop because I found out earlier that they sold a sort of ‘hot dog’ there and we hadn’t eaten lunch yet. So before heading up to the house we quickly stopped to eat. I had earlier warned the boys to lock the doors when exiting the car (not used to the manual locks), but hadn’t thought to say anything about not worrying about that when you are within 5 ft of the car and the keys are still inside!! Next thing you know we are right back to where we started, on foot in RZ, but this time we don’t even have a phone, everything is locked inside the car with the keys dangling from the ignition. I wasn’t hungry anymore but the boys didn’t seem to mind, they ate the hot dogs while I stared into the sky and wondered why God had it in for me. The only option was to leave the car, which also had my laptop, passports, and about $15k I had owed Daniel for materials/labor, and walk the 2km to Dan’s for help. I tried to explain to some guys at the bus stop about my dilemma, they laughed and said there was no such thing as AAA or a local key maker (job opening in Rz!).

Well, I wanted to share this silly story because God is so kind to us. I had decided that we better get walking, and told the boys to follow me when I spotted a white van parked just 100 meters away… could that be Daniel’s van? Sure enough, Daniel waved and started walking toward me. It’s the first time he’s really looked like Jesus! ha. He was obviously curious why we were hanging out at the bus stop, and soon rallied to the cause his father who was in town visiting, and together with some sticks, wires, and duct tape we had broken into our rental car and were back in business. It was a lesson in patience again, in trusting God and I’m thankful that the Lord monitors our whereabouts.

The house is coming along slowly but surely. Upstairs rooms have been painted and look great. The bathrooms and kitchen should be completed (roughed in) this week. Kolya, Sasha and Alyosha have been doing a good job and we’re hoping that by the middle of July we can come down as a family and stay on the weekends. We haven’t purchased appliances yet, hoping to do that in the next week or so. The yard outside is absolutely out of control with weeds and over growth. I’m told I need to get a Scythe, but I’m afraid I may chop off my own feet, those things look scary.

Deb and the kids are great. It’s been a time of testing for the family, and we’re definitely being stretched in many ways, but we’re exactly where we need to be and we praise God for His grace every day to handle what comes our way.  I’ll catch you up on some other outreach/ministry info later, this has been long enough for now. Thank you for checking in and I pray you are being stretched and tested too 🙂  I pray that if you are need of anything, you will call out to God in prayer.  From forgiveness of sins, to wisdom for the right decisions you are faced with, He is our source, and His well is deep!

“I will lift up my eyes to the mountains; From where shall my help come? My help comes from the LORD, Who made heaven and earth.” Psalm 121:1-2

“All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the Lord, and all the families of the nations will worship before Thee. For the kingdom is the Lord’s, and he rules over the nations.”  Psalm 22:27,28

I’ve spent a lot of time and energy converting the US dollar into Hryvna (pronounced ‘greevna’) both ‘on the fly’ while at the supermarket or at the bank with physical dollars.  Anyone that has went on vacation or a missions trip has asked the question, “now what is this in US dollars” right?  A few months ago the Hryvna ‘unpegged’ itself form the US Dollar, breaking an international treaty, and has been testing the waters with the central Ukrainian bank controlling rates. If anyone has followed the economy of Eastern Europe, and Ukraine specifically, you’ll know that we’re experiencing some concerning inflation (over 30% YTD).   Prices have been rising continually for about 3-4yrs, at an alarming rate.  The articles I’m reading (do a google search for Ukraine economy) however all point to an eventual economic burst or even recession as the government will be faced with some major restructuring of it’s checks and balances (like actually getting some).  Because of corruption at the highest of levels, enormous trade tariffs on everything from cars to clothing from the west are pricing themselves out of the market.  The value of the Hryvna is a matter of East vs West philosophy, some say Ukraine will head toward embracing the EURO, but then isn’t quite ready to fully divorce itself from mother Russia (and she isn’t letting go either!). 

Basically, the economists on all sides of the debate agree with one thing, something must happen soon, or something will!  We have personally invested quite a bit of money into land, a house, and have hopes to work toward other projects that will engage us with the buying and selling of goods/real estate that may be drastically over, and in some cases under valued.  We want to be guided ultimately by the Lord, investing in the Kingdom of God supremely, but do you ever wonder if it’s all going to come crashing down.. how long with the Lord sustain and uphold this world with all it’s devices?  In the meantime we have to be good stewards and ‘sort of’ have a clue how to handle resources!

We remind ourselves that we serve a sovereign God who’s Kingdom is not of this world.  I also take comfort in the fact that even in this world, He rules over all the nations.  The Psalm above speaks of the Messiah who is to come, and through His work on the Cross offer hope to all peoples, of every nation.  As Christians we shouldn’t put our hope in governments or economies.  We trust not in horses or chariots, but in the name of our God who’s Kingdom rule and reign are not shaken.  What comfort!  This is an encouragement to me, I hope it is to you wherever you are living.  If scripture is true, and God does in fact rule over nations, what or whom ‘should’ we fear concerning the future? 

Family is back to normal after a week of fevers.  Deb has been stealing my pictures for her blogs, so you’ll have to go there to see family/kids (most of the mothers and girls hang out over there – www.thecrowesnest.com ).  Our Russian in improving daily, it’s amazing how much it helps to be able to read!  Broderic and I are heading out to RZ this week, end, I’ll be working on our house and Broderic will be enjoying his buddy Jessie on Jessie’s birthday.  I’m renting a car this week Lord willing, as our container may not ever get here (we’re hoping by Christmas, that way we can wrap their existing toys).  I pray my next post is not that I’ve wrecked the car (it’s very crazy here, like NYC with no rules!).  We attended Andrei’s church this past Sunday (below), he’ll be speaking July 27th at Crossroads in Longview (please go and listen!).  Cassie’s religious visa application has been submitted, pray that we receive that back in time for her July 31 ticket.  We look forward to seeing Cassie and getting her plugged into life here.  Below is picture of the little store at the bottom of our building, the lady in there is nice and puts up with my ridiculously limited vocabulary.  Last night however I made a fool of myself, I walked in (it was fairly late) and squeezed past a man who was sort of yelling at me (in a nice russian way), I smiled and pro-ceded to look for a drink (non alcoholic), she said they were out and i had to go to the other store around the buliding…. So off I went, until I remembered it wasn’t a drink I was after originally but something else.. so back I went.. this the store was a bit darker, but I noticed the door still open, so in I went.  The man yelled at me again and the lady sort of smiled and shook her head… I had no idea what was being said, but I figure the guy was drunk (common here).  It all hit me when two folks tried to come in and buy something, the guy started yelling again.. the people kindly removed themselves from the store.. IT WAS CLOSED!!  I felt pretty silly, and finished up my shopping, apologized, and the guy smiled and shook his head as well.  I’m finding they are pretty gracious to Americans, especially those that buy a lot of milk and eggs!

Thank you to those couple of people that gave to the Family Camp in Rz – we raised $600 for it, you can still give to this (operational costs) by donating here online.

Missing our friends & family!

We have access to one English TV channel here in the apartment, the BBC.  I’ve watched it a few times and it’s been interesting to note the different slant and style of news stories.  I learned about the rising interest rates in India, the 100 million dollar plan to launch the game of Cricket into mainstream professional sports (sorry Ozzy friends, that just ain’t gonna happen mates!).  The weather report consists of a quick tour of the globe, they even stopped off in North America for about 20 seconds, highlighting the rains in the midwest (north america seen as one mass, no borders).  It’s a real expeience to be taken out of the only context you’ve ever known, transplanted in a culture that worships soccer (aham ‘fooootball), and has a love affair with pork, cheese and bread.  I’m reminded of the Israelites, how God preserved the customs, the literature, some of the food and of course their religious experience for generations for the purpose of ushering in the Messiah.. and even today they remain a distinct people group. That’s a pretty amazing feat when you think about it.  I remember hearing a message entitled, “Why are there no Hittites on the streets of New York”, and it emphasized this preservation of a culture through God’s sovereignty.  Anyway, that’s been the theme in my heart for the past few days, namely “What makes a culture distinct?” or “What in a culture is worth preserving?” in the context of the ramifications of the gospel when it changes a heart.  What stays the same, and what should change when a person from ANY culture comes in contact and saving fellowship with Christ?  We aren’t here to make Americans, Canadians or Australians obviously, but when you see the depravity, the mass of young teenage boys with open alcohol in hand, young girls walking immodestly about, it does make you want to change more than just individual hearts, a reformation, a holy fear of the living God is in desperate need here.  I’ve seen more little pictures of saints stapled and stuck to taxi cabs and buses for a lifetime.  How can Christ and religion be so visable, yet so powerless in a culture? 

{Metro signage, it’s like choose your own adventure}

{Where’s Waldo?  Where’s FedEx?  English signs are so nice!}
{The golden arches mean clean restooms and happy Tucker}

To finish my Obama comment, did you know that he’s already president?  Today while running some errands (Cassie your invitation letter is now on it’s way!) the Taxi driver, who wasn’t fooled by my impeccable Russian accent asked, “Obama President Da (yes)?”.. then later at the bank, my friend Roman (the teller) asked if I was happy for Obama.  I think they mistook the Democratic race for the Presidential one, or some new source jumped the gun.

The kids are recovering from fever, all of them down one-by-one, for about 3 days.  Deb suffered as well for a few days.  Clark and I are the only ones who have dodged it to date.  We’ve heard some of our Texas friends have had the same thing, that is actually comforting.  We had 6hrs of Russian lessons this week, and another 2-3hrs of homework.  Have had a great week of routine in terms of business work online, thank you for the prayers.  Also thank you for some of those emails that came in from different sources, the scripture and encouragement is contagious.   We just found out our container hasn’t even left the US, still at port.  Good thing we didn’t stick a kid in there to save on airfare costs.. Giving thanks to God that our needs are met – Surrendering the right to have things go my way…

Paul McCartney is having a free concert downtown Kiev this weekend.  I saw the stage and sound today, incredible.  I wonder if he will sing ‘Back in the USSR?”….

“…the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving so that they might not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ… ” 2 Cor 4:4

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=8470367217750232855

We ventured out as a family to the center of Kiev the other day for the first time.  Bus, to Metro (subway), then a bunch of walking with a mess of kids and a stroller, it was a blast.  Brent asked on the Metro if they were going to serve food.  We started our Russian lessons today, Deb, Broderic, Bronywn and myself sitting at the kitchen table drawing letters like we did in 1st grade.  It was very surreal to look across the table and find my kids finishing their papers before me, and doing a better job too!  It brought back all that I did not miss about public school.  I asked the teacher if she could just teach me to speak converstationally and not have to do the writing part, she looked at me with a puzzled face.

Tomorrow I venture out to Epicenter (home depot Ukraine style) to pick out and purchase some more paint for our house and meet up with Dan.  I hope I can find it.  I then have to take the Metro to meet up with Maxim, a brother from the Assocation of Missionary Churches who helps us get our visas (invitations for religious visa), we’re supposed to have Cassie Walters tomorrow and then I’ll then try and find the Fedex office and mail it to her so she can be ready for her July 31 trip to Ukraine!  On a work note, things are going well there (cypress), we have a great group of guys and gals.  I find the time difference still difficult to deal with and getting a rhythm that works has been next to impossible, I’d like prayer for this if you have a moment.

This week we may meet up with the Claycamps, they are coming to the city to visit a park with their kids, they have a van (I forget how to drive I think).  We’re also going to try and have Alex and his wife/baby (never met) over for dinner.  Alex is a young attorney that helped us with some legal paperwork on a previous trip, I like him and want to get to know him more.  I don’t believe he is a christian, pray for him.  We also had a nice time with Kolya and Jeanne from Rz, they have family in Kiev and came over to visit Saturday night.  Kolya is the main builder on our house, and they both love the Lord.  Pray for them too, they aren’t sure what their next move is, they won’t have a place to live after July and have been involved in the church in the past, they are not sure what the immediate future holds.   Bo may be visiting in July.  If he does come, pray things line up well for his short trip, I may co-ordinate (or try to) visiting the Mayor of Rz with his visit, unveiling the sister city opportunity that has been approved by Kilgore, TX.  Daniel has been faithfully plugging away at the paperwork for our phone line at our house among other things, which will have DSL (mucho importante).  They love their stamps, official signatures and mounds of paperwork/procedures here.  It’s a miracle anyone ever gets anything done.  Dan’s received no less than 5-6 signatures (over the course of 2 months) just to get the line installed, and he’s not done yet.  He has to drive to different spots and even towns to get the approval needed (can’t imagine trying to do this without a vehicle).  He emails me each time we get a step closer.  Literally the mayor of town is one of the final approvers of the new phone line, maybe we’ll have a ribbon cutting and get our picture in the paper when it’s activated!  When you go somewhere to get a stamp or signature, the odds are very high that they aren’t working, or will be back in an hour (or two).  The patience needed to work within this framework is unbelievable.  A few nights ago our friends Jon and Ruth took us to the large grocery store here in Kiev called Metro (like a sam’s club membership place for bulk).. we spent 5 hrs there folks, no joke.  I spent close to 2hrs in line with two carts full of food while the rest of them drove to another store for other things.  Thankful there are things to buy here though.  Customer service hasn’t made it to Ukraine.. you don’t realize how customer driven (customer is always right, customer is king) America is until you leave it.  I’m either going to develop the character of Job (preferred) or very high blood pressure. 

Thanks for checking in again, and your continued prayer and encouragement.

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” – Phil 4:6